Lights, Camera, Confidence: Your Ultimate Media Blueprint Pt. 6
Interview Formats
You’ve got your message, your voice, your outfit, and your power stance. Now, it’s time to master the playing field: the interview format. Because whether you’re staring down a camera, a mic, or a panel of curious reporters, how you show up depends a lot on where and how you’re being interviewed.
So, let’s break down the most common interview formats and how to shine in each one without breaking a sweat.
Live vs. Pre-Recorded Interviews
Live interviews are thrilling—but let’s be real, they can also be nerve-wracking. There’s no edit button, no take two, and no cutting away if your brain decides to take a coffee break. But here’s the upside: live interviews feel authentic, and viewers often give grace for real human moments.
Pre-recorded interviews, on the other hand, give you some breathing room. There’s a chance to clean up flubs in post-production, and you may get a redo if you stumble. But don’t get too comfortable. Assume everything could air and stay just as sharp.
Interview Prep Tips
Know your 2–3 key messages
Just like your best karaoke chorus, have them ready to go at a moment’s notice. When the spotlight hits, you don’t want to fumble for your words. Have your core messages down pat so you can confidently weave them into any question that comes your way. Think of them as your go-to soundbites—clear, punchy, and easy to repeat under pressure.
Practice bridging techniques
Not every question will land where you want it to—but that doesn’t mean you have to go off-course. Bridging phrases help you gracefully pivot the conversation back to your key messages. It’s not dodging; it’s steering the story in a direction that serves both your audience and your goals. (e.g., “That’s a great question—what’s really important to understand is…”)
Keep answers tight and memorable.
No one wants a monologue, especially not live. The best interview responses are short enough to quote, but strong enough to stick. Aim for clarity over detail—this isn’t the time for rambling or rabbit holes. Especially in live formats, tight answers help you stay in control and leave a lasting impression.
One-on-One vs. Panel Interviews
In a one-on-one, it’s just you and the interviewer—like a conversational ping-pong match. You’ll have more room to breathe and respond thoughtfully. The challenge? Building rapport while keeping answers concise and quotable.
Panel interviews (think press conferences or roundtables) are a different beast. Multiple interviewers mean competing personalities and rapid-fire questions. The key here is balance: don’t fade into the background, but don’t dominate the room either.
How to Stand Out Without Overpowering
Make eye contact
With each panelist or the camera, if you are virtual. Eye contact helps build connection and shows that you’re engaged, respectful, and confident. In person, shift your gaze naturally among panelists to include everyone in the conversation. If you're virtual, focus on looking into the camera instead of your own screen—it may feel strange, but it reads as direct and authentic to the audience.
Wait for the full question before jumping in.
It’s tempting to jump in as soon as you think you know where a question is headed—but resist the urge. Letting the interviewer finish not only shows respect, it also helps you respond more thoughtfully and avoid missteps. Plus, a brief pause gives you a second to gather your response and land it with impact.
Nod to acknowledge others’ points before adding your own.
Nonverbal cues like nodding show that you’re listening—and that goes a long way in collaborative settings like panels. A quick acknowledgment before you speak positions you as a team player, not someone trying to steal the spotlight. It creates space for dialogue rather than debate.
Weave your voice in without steamrolling.
Use phrases like, “To build on that…” or “A different perspective is…” Jumping into a panel discussion is an art—these phrases help you enter gracefully without shutting others down. They show that you’re engaging with what’s been said, not just waiting to talk. It keeps the energy collaborative and positions you as confident, thoughtful, and respectful all at once.
Phone, Podcast & Virtual Interviews
The Breakdown
Phone Interviews
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—phone interviews still require focus and intention. Since your voice is your only tool, make sure it conveys clarity, confidence, and warmth. Stand or sit up straight, smile as you speak, and avoid filler words or trailing off—every sound matters.
Podcast Interviews
Podcasts often feel like casual conversations, but they live online forever and reach highly engaged audiences. Bring your personality, but stay on message—treat it like a storytelling opportunity with purpose. Have key points ready, but keep your tone conversational and natural.
Zoom/Virtual Interviews
Virtual interviews might happen from your kitchen table, but they’re still public-facing, often recorded, and shared widely. Look into the camera (not your own square), check your background and lighting, and dress like you would for an in-person interview. Even though it feels casual, the impact is very real—bring your A-game.
Tips to Maximize Impact
Stand or sit upright
It helps your voice project confidence and clarity. Your posture directly affects how you sound. Sitting or standing tall opens your diaphragm, improves breath control, and helps your voice come across as strong and self-assured. Slouching may make you sound tired, bored, or unsure—definitely not the vibe we're going for.
Smile when you speak
Yes, even on the phone. It really comes through. It might feel silly, but smiling actually changes the tone of your voice—it adds warmth, energy, and friendliness that your listener can feel. Even without visuals, a smile builds connection and helps your message land in a more authentic, engaging way.
Cut background noise
If it’s a podcast, ditch the speakerphone to opt for headphones or a mic. Good sound quality shows respect for your audience and the interviewer. Eliminate distractions like barking dogs, email pings, or clunky audio to keep your voice front and center. A pair of headphones or a basic mic can make a big difference in how polished and professional you sound.
Bonus tip: For virtual, look at the camera, not your own square. It’s awkward but more engaging on the viewer’s side.
Crisis Interviews – Stay Cool, Stay Human
The last place you want to be is on-camera during a crisis—but if you’re the spokesperson, it’s go-time. These interviews often happen under pressure, with little prep time and high stakes.
Your mission? Stay calm, stay clear, and stay in control. Don’t speculate. Don’t get defensive. And, please please, don’t go off-message.
Composure Checklist
Pause and breathe
Silence is your ally. Before responding, take a steady breath to center yourself. A brief pause might feel awkward in the moment, but it gives your brain space to organize your thoughts and helps you project calm confidence. Remember: silence is not weakness—it’s composure.
Lead with empathy
Then steer toward solutions. In tense or high-pressure interviews, it’s important to acknowledge the concern or issue at hand. Then, calmly clarify the facts and redirect the conversation toward next steps or positive action. This shows leadership and keeps you from getting stuck in defensive mode.
It’s okay not to have every answer
Honesty builds trust. If you're caught off guard, don’t fake it. Say, “That’s a great question. I’ll get that information and follow up.” It demonstrates transparency and professionalism—two things reporters and audiences respect.
Remember: your tone matters as much as your words.
Tailoring Your Responses for the Format
Not every interview is created equal, and your answers shouldn’t be either. A podcast may allow a 90-second story. A live TV hit? You’ve got 7–10 seconds. That’s barely enough time to sip coffee, let alone explain your mission.
So how do you tailor effectively?
Short Formats (TV, Reels, Soundbites): Be bold and brief.
In short-form interviews or live TV spots, you often have just a few seconds to land your point. Stick to one key message—something crisp, clear, and memorable. Think of it like writing a headline, not a whole chapter.
Long Formats (Podcasts, Articles): Share depth without losing direction.
Longer interviews give you space to tell stories and add nuance, but that doesn’t mean you should ramble. Keep your points focused and your delivery engaging, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Stay conversational, but don’t lose sight of your message.
Virtual or Written Q&As: Prepare, but don’t perform.
It’s smart to jot down your key talking points ahead of time so you stay grounded and intentional. Just be sure your delivery still feels natural—no one wants to listen to someone reading a script. Aim for thoughtful, authentic responses that reflect both preparation and personality.
At the end of the day, it’s all about showing up as your most prepared, confident self—no matter the mic, screen, or room.
Stay tuned for Part Seven, where we’ll tackle the art of the press conference (a.k.a. the ultimate public speaking challenge). Until then, keep your shoulders back, your message clear, and your media mojo burning bright.
